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San Francisco

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About San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the prominent cities on the West Coast of California in the United States that has been attracting tourists from worldwide. Renowned for its diverse attractions like the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay, the city offers a delightful experience to visitors. The vibrant energy and a host to numerous interesting activities such as hang gliding, rock climbing and kayaking, make San Francisco a must-visit tourist destination, particularly during its warm and pleasant summer season.

One of the highlights of this tourist destination is Alcatraz Island, where you can take a tour of ‘The Rock’ and its renowned prisons. The Fisherman’s Wharf is another popular attraction that features over 900 sea lions basking under the sun. If you are a history buff, you can visit diverse museums, art institutions, and the innovative Walt Disney Museum. Additionally, the city offers an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the expansive Golden Gate Park and catch the picturesque views of the city skyline. Interestingly, San Francisco also caters to shopping enthusiasts with international boutiques in Union Square.

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San Francisco FAQ's

When is the best time to visit San Francisco?

1. Peak Season: The summer months from June to August experience the peak season in San Francisco. During this time, the temperature ranges around 19 degrees Celsius, and it is an ideal period to witness and enjoy the vibe of the fairs and festivities of San Francisco Pride, Union Street Festival, and the North Beach Festival.

2. Shoulder Season: September to November marks the shoulder months in San Francisco when the place enjoys the autumn season. This season offers the warmest days and fewer crowds to pay a visit to the famous Golden Gate Park and Washington Square. 

3. Waning Season: The winter season from December to February is regarded as an excellent time for budget travellers. During this time, the weather remains chilled and you may experience occasional rain, which leads to affordable hotel prices. It is the perfect time to watch Broadway musicals in the Orpheum Theatre, go on Whale Watching tours, indulge in some winter sports such as Ice Skating in Union Square or simply enjoy the New Year’s festive vibe in the city.

How to reach San Francisco?

By Air- Air is the best and most preferred mode of transportation from India to San Francisco. There are several direct and connecting flights operating from major Indian metropolitan cities such as New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai to San Francisco International Airport. There are direct flights from New Delhi and Bangalore to San Francisco International Airport. Air India serves as the major airline offering direct connectivity between the two destinations and takes around 16 hours to reach.

What are the things to do in San Francisco?

1. Walk over the Golden Gate Bridge- Taking a walk across the famous Golden Gate Bridge allows you to join over 1 lakh daily pedestrians on the eastern walkway. From the bridge, you can witness the picturesque views of the city skyline and San Francisco Bay.

2. Visit “The Rock” in Alcatraz- You can explore “The Rock”, which is a renowned prison on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. It lets you take a guided tour and learn about the fascinating stories of the notorious criminals that were once held captive in this place.

3. See the sea lions at the Fisherman’s Wharf- Travellers can experience the charm of the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, where a lively community of sea lions resides on the docks. From Pier 39, you can watch their playful antics and enjoy the adorable barks of these charming locals in the sun. 

4. Experience Illuminate SF- Illuminate SF is a dazzling festival of light art in San Francisco. With over 60 installations scattered throughout the neighbourhoods, you can admire the vibrant displays on buildings and sidewalks in the city. 

5. Go to the Historic Presidio- Going to the Historic Presidio is another wonderful thing to see the natural beauty and cultural offerings of the city. Here, you can visit The Walt Disney Family Museum for interactive exhibits and Disney artefacts or enjoy the fantastic playground and open spaces at The Tunnel Tops.

What is the best public transport to commute around San Francisco?

San Francisco is a very important city of The United States of America and it a very well developed city. The public transport us excellent here and it is the most convenient way to travel within the city. The public transport system if San Francisco includes:

  • MUNI- MUNI is the local municipal railway system of San Francisco. These are trains which run on regular roads of the city and special tracks have been made on the roads for them. MUNI is considered to be the heritage of San Francisco. It operates at low speed, thereby increasing the travel time.
  • Bus- San Francisco has an excellent transport system and the buses operate very frequently in the city. It is the cheapest way to travel from one to the other in San Francisco.

One can also book a cab or take a shuttle, if they want, to commute within the city. Taking a cab would be the fastest way for commutation.

What is the local language in San Francisco?

In San Francisco majority of the people speak English and consider it to be their primary language. Besides English, the most common language used in the Bay Area would be Filipino also known as Tagalog.

Where can I enjoy adventure activities in San Francisco?

1. Fort Funston- Fort Funston is a top hang gliding and horseback riding in San Francisco. No matter whether you are fond of the sky or are grounded, this place allows you to enjoy the aerial views of the San Francisco Bay with hang gliding and relish scenic ocean views while horseback riding along the shores.

2. Ocean Beach- Ocean Beach is a surfing heaven with large waves that reach up to 20 feet in fall and winter. While professionals can tackle the challenging conditions on this beach, beginners should start their surfing journey with lessons in Santa Cruz.

3. Glen Canyon- Glen Canyon in Glen Park provides an opportunity for rock climbing within the city. While indoor climbing gyms are common, Glen Canyon offers a unique experience with technical bouldering. 

4. Pier 40- You can experience the bay by sea kayaking at Pier 40, from where you can watch Giants games from McCovey Cove. It also allows you to enjoy the sights of the houseboats and Navy ships in Mission Creek. 

5. Mount Sutro- The mountain biking enthusiasts can explore Mount Sutro, which is a lesser-known 61-acre park near UCSF. Here, you can experience off-road biking within the city limits at McLaren Park.

Which are the famous places to enjoy Wildlife in Francisco?

1. Pier 39- Pier 39 is one of the famous places to witness sea lions in San Francisco. During the winter season, over 900 sea lions come to this place to bask under the warm sunlight, thereby offering a beautiful wildlife spectacle.

2. San Francisco Zoo- San Francisco Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals that represent around 250 species. In this zoo, you will find zebras, kudus, and giraffes in exhibits like the African Savanna, Penguin Island, and Lipman Lemur Forest. 

3. The Marine Mammal Center- Located in the Marin Headlands, the Marine Mammal Center rescues and rehabilitates marine mammals impacted by illness or accidents on Bay Area shores. You can observe seals, sea lions, and whales among other marine animals at this attraction.

4. Crab Cove Marine Protected Area- Crab Cove Marine Protected Area offers a fascinating intertidal zone to explore when the tide is out. Here, you can discover a vibrant underwater world with crabs, bat rays, limpets, and other tide pool residents. 

5. Farallon Islands- Located less than thirty miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, the Farallon Islands provide a safe harbour for diverse Pacific Ocean wildlife. With restricted access, the island provides an untouched sanctuary for those seeking an immersing encounter with the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

What is the local food of San Francisco? Which are the best places to taste this food?

1. Sourdough Bread from Boudin Sourdough- Sourdough bread is an iconic local food of San Francisco at Boudin, which is the oldest continuously operating bakery in the city. 

2. Mission Burrito in the Mission District- Renowned for its generous portions, the Mission Burrito in the Mission District includes extra rice, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

3. Secret Breakfast from Humphry Slocombe- Secret Breakfast Ice Cream from Humphry Slocombe offers a unique blend of bourbon and cornflakes.

4. Seafood at Fisherman's Wharf- You can try well-known seafood like Cioppino, Dungeness Crab and oysters at Fog Harbor Fish House in the Fisherman’s Wharf.

5. Dim Sum in Chinatown- You can enjoy bite-sized steamed dim sum delights on the streets of Golden Gate Bakery and Lai Hong Lounge in Chinatown

Which are the best shopping places in San Francisco and what are they famous for?

1. Union Square- Union Square is a famous outdoor mall in the city centre of San Francisco. From luxury stores to local boutiques, you will find a diverse range of shopping options in the arena.

2. Haight Street- Haight Street is a heaven for vintage shops in San Francisco. From unique retro outfits to classic boots, this street offers a nostalgic shopping spree through stores like Held Over and John Fluevog Shoes.

3. Westfield San Francisco Centre- If you are looking for a premier shopping experience, you can pay a visit to Westfield San Francisco Centre. It is a delight for shopping lovers as it houses more than 200 renowned brands like Nordstrom and H&M.

4. Hayes Valley- Hayes Valley is a unique shopping area in San Francisco that features art galleries and antique shops. Nestled near cultural venues like the Ballet and Symphony, it offers an exquisite collection for those who appreciate the charm of refurbished items.

5. Fillmore Street- Fillmore Street offers a mix of luxury and affordable shopping in San Francisco. From Mureta Antique for lovers of antiques to Heidi Says for those who appreciate fancier options, this street captivates the hearts of all kinds of travellers.

How is the nightlife in San Francisco?

The nightlife in San Francisco is renowned for offering a plethora of spectacular experiences for both locals and tourists alike. It allows you to dive into spooky night tours, enjoy romantic date nights, or hop between clubs for a lively atmosphere. You can also enjoy skating to old-school funk at the Church of 8 Wheels, catch a Broadway show, or attend stand-up comedy at Endgames Improv.

Where is the Golden Gate Bridge located in San Francisco?

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the greatest tourist attractions present in San Francisco. It is a 1.6 mile suspension bridge that connects the city of San Francisco and California to Marin Country. It is located on the northern tip of San Francisco peninsula. This Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and must be visited while in San Francisco.

San Francisco Reviews

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Jovanny Mercer
Reviewed: 19 Feb 2024
5.0/5
I had an amazing holiday in California's Golden Triangle! Exploring this famous area was like a dream come true. California has everything – beautiful beaches, lively cities, and stunning landscapes. From the busy streets of Los Angeles to the breathtaking views in San Francisco and the lovely viney... Read More
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Kartik Khanna
Reviewed: 22 Feb 2024
5.0/5
We had the most amazing time in Golden Triangle in USA. The place and the people are beautiful and our tour guide has played a huge part in making the holiday as incredible as it has been. We could not have wished for more. He completely took care of all aspects of each day so all we needed to do wa... Read More
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Pradeep Melchis
Reviewed: 22 Feb 2024
5.0/5
Thanks Thrillophilia for a super relaxing trip to Golden Triangle in USA. They paid attention to every little detail, making sure everything went smoothly. Our guide was really cool, knew a lot, and took good care of us. The places we stayed at were clean and comfy, making our trip even better. Than... Read More
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Chetanaanand Mishra
Reviewed: 07 Feb 2024
5.0/5
Our family trip to Southern California was a complete delight. The schedule was well planned to provide the ideal balance of leisure and enjoyment, and the booking procedure was easy. It was an amazing trip that took us to both scenic locations and well-known Los Angeles sites. An amazing excursion ... Read More
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Nicholas Chen
Reviewed: 07 Feb 2024
5.0/5
Thrillophilia's self-drive tour across Southern California was more than enjoyable! Stress-free travel was provided by the well-kept cars and easy booking process. Every place we went, from the energetic Los Angeles to the picturesque San Diego, was delightful. An true Californian experience was del... Read More
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Jade Hebert
Reviewed: 31 Jan 2024
5.0/5
I had an amazing holiday at Golden Triangle trip by thrillophilia. Their attention to detail was remarkable, ensuring every aspect of the journey was well-planned and executed flawlessly. The guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to our needs throughout the trip, enhancing our overall exp... Read More

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